Women’s AIL Preview

Highfield and UL Bohemians are back in Women’s All Ireland League action this weekend without a number of their key internationals.

This is the last series of games before the winter break with all four matches taking place on Sunday. League leaders UL Bohs host Ulster’s Cooke at Annacotty and Highfield welcome Blackrock to Woodleigh Park (both 1pm kick-offs).

Limerick club UL Bohemians have won all seven of their clashes so far this season but will be depleted on Sunday with five of their international players in the Ireland squad that play Canada on Saturday in UCD.
They are also missing Niamh Briggs through injury but the Ireland captain would have been playing for the national side if she was fully fit.

After a difficult start to the season, things are starting to come together for Cork club Highfield. Having lost all four of their opening games, they have now won two of their last three and are in the hunt for a fourth-placed finish that would earn them a semi-final spot.

Highfield will have to do without internationals Zoe Grattage, Leah Lyons and Elaine Anthony on Sunday though with the trio also selected in the Ireland squad.

At the halfway stage of the season, UL Bohs, Old Belvedere and Galwegians are well clear of the chasing pack but that final semi-final place is still up for grabs and another win on Sunday would give Highfield a real boost.

Click here for more details on Ireland's game against Canada this Saturday in Dublin.

Women's All Ireland League Fixtures (Sunday):
Highfield v Blackrock, Woodleigh Park, 1pm;
Old Belvedere v Galwegians, Anglesea Road, 1pm;
Railway Union v St. Mary's, Willow Lodge, 1pm;
UL Bohemian v Cooke, Annacotty, 1pm;